C.O. 16557 & RECO REC 27 JUN 549 1899.
18th May, 1...
I am directed by the Governor to inform you in accordance with instructions received from Her Majesty's Government that the town of Chan Chun and Kowloon were occupied by Her Majesty's troops. The forces employed were such as to render opposition by the Chinese troops palpably impossible and would have sufficed to quell unnecessary anxiety or trouble. The Officers in Command however refused to give up their posts and the remnants were eventually removed from Kowloon. The officers have not had their personal liberty curtailed, but I request that you will inform the Viceroy of Canton that if they are not recalled by the proper Authority instantly, they will be forcibly removed.
The arms and ammunition collected at Kowloon are now in the possession of this Government and will be forwarded to Canton either to the Viceroy or to such other officer as the Viceroy may desire, or will be delivered over to my Chinese ship of war or Revenue Commissioner who may be directed to receive them.
I have the honour to be, Sir, your most obedient servant,
(sd.) J.G.T. Buckle, Colonial Secretary.